2020/2021 Year in Review

Are you still there? I know I have been MIA since January 2020, and so much has changed since then. Let me give you the abridged version. First came the COVID-19 pandemic that caused us all to reevaluate what was important in life. The first weekend in March 2020, my husband and I stood shoulder to shoulder in our corral for what I suspected would be our last Gate River Run 15K. He and I have been running that race together since 2012, but I will post more on that at a later date. He had just accepted an out-of-state position which meant relocation for our family. Little did we know that just one week later, our lives -- as well as the lives of everyone in our nation -- would change forever.

After a whirlwind of the Spring Break that would never end, our introduction to online learning, a VPK graduation golf cart parade and a farewell parade -- complete with a yard sign -- we found ourselves in our new RV trekking cross country towards the Lone Star State. We were greeted by 102° F temps followed closely after by a literal whirlwind of a storm the nearly blew our trailer off its supports. Thankfully, I linked up with ladies from BGR! Dallas and was able to "Burn Off the Crazy" (and the COVID-19+ pounds I gained) from the move. One thing I quickly realized was how hilly TX was compared to FL. My calves did not appreciate our new terrain, and I found myself taking longer walk breaks. I still kept moving though, because I subscribed to a #goalsOVERexcuses mindset. 

We welcomed a new family member at the end of 2020. He was supposed to be my running partner, alas, his foster mom said his previous vet advised against it. Instead, he became my walking partner and helped add steps to my day.

2021 began with kids' first experience with snow. The next month was Snowmageddon, and the entire state of TX was covered! The snow started falling on Valentine's Day, and, when we woke up the next morning, the power was out. I had never experienced "rolling blackouts" before, and, by the time the week was done, we had frozen pipes in our bathrooms. Several of our neighbors had pipes or water heaters (in their attics) rupture, which took months to renovate. It also turned out to be a deadly experience for many throughout the state.

On a fitness-related note, my husband gave me a Peloton Bike+ as a Valentine's Day gift because I was still struggling to adjust to running in the hilly streets of TX, and it was either too hot or too cold to ride my road bike on the trainer in our garage. Plus, CG was transitioning towards charging for virtual workouts since more people were returning to in-person workouts, and I was not yet ready to go back to being out and about. I was a bit nervous about clipping into a "bike that goes nowhere", but once I did, I was hooked! I connected with the BPR community (IYKYK) and fell in love with the rapport of fellow riders. There were "swarm" rides a few times a week, and the joking that went on within the group was unparalleled. I ended up joining a group of early morning riders who dubbed themselves the #WafflehouseCrew because of the time and intensity of the rides. Before the year was over, I had set and broken several PRs, hit multiple ride milestones, and even tried my hand at an 100-mile PeloFondo. Here's the year-end wrap up:

Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2019

My first race of 2019 is in the books! BGR! (Black Girls RUN!) represented, as usual, but the NOC (Nocatee) was running the streets as well. My main BRF (best running friend) dragged me to a new half marathon PR, even though it was far slower than her PR. #goals

Noxgear

Happy Fall, y’all! We are now entering my favorite time of the year. No, not because of the changing leaves, approaching holiday season or any of the other more traditional reasons non-Floridians give for welcoming Fall. For me, it’s the less sweltering temperatures and slight drop in humidity that makes running, cycling, and even walking, more bearable. Of course, along with these "cooler" temps come shorter days/daylight hours which can leave an evening athlete in the dark.

As an early morning runner, I understand all too well the struggle of trying to balance high visibility with comfort — who knew clip-on lights bounced so much and headlamps caused headaches? — and I recently found the answer: Noxgear. Now, I had seen/heard of Noxgear a while back through the Jacksonville Galloway Training Group I was a member of, but, for some reason, I hadn’t actually tried it until several months ago. What first got my attention was the variety of colors available, but what I didn’t know was that, not only is each Tracer360 vest capable of producing 8 different colors (I usually select a color that matches my shirt), but you can also change from solid to flashing lights with a just a press of a button!

I’ve received numerous compliments and inquiries since I started wearing my Tracer360, and now, I want to share Noxgear with you! As of today, I am a member of the Noxgear Ambassador -- #noxgearamb -- family. What exactly does that mean to you? Well, by using coupon code: KayDub978 on the Noxgear website, you will save 35%. :in announcer voice: But, wait, there's more! On Tuesday October 16th only, the coupon code discount will be increased to 42%! 

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, there is also a visibility vest for our canine friends. After all, their safety is important too. Stay safe out there!

Run The Year 2018

From the Run The Edge website: "Run The Year 2018 is a fitness challenge to run or walk 2,018 miles in the year 2018." Since I ran almost 1,500 miles in 2017, I formed a "Dynamic Duo" with one of my BGR! Sole Sisters, and we will split the 2,018 miles. 

This year is off to a slow start due to almost freezing temperatures (see above screen shot from The Weather Channel app). I, personally, love this weather for running; however, my neighbor/running partner has circulatory issues which are exacerbated by cold weather. Wish me luck . . .

Transformation Tuesday

In January of 2016, I posted a picture of myself poolside after my first Adult Stroke Class and announced my goal to complete a sprint triathlon by May 2017. Sadly, there were other plans for my life. 

A couple months after my declaration, my father experienced complications after a stem cell transplant. After a nearly 3 month battle towards recovery, his body, literally, failed him. He died July 1st. Exactly 2 months after my stepmother called me about my father, my mother called to tell me that her time on this earth was limited. A few weeks later, I became an orphan. Just when I thought 2016 could not get any worse for our family, my beloved Pug (my original baby), died the day after Christmas.

I tell you all this, because, as crazy as it may seem, running kept me sane through it all. Those who follow my personal Facebook page have seen my effort, and my aunt -- my mom's youngest sister -- once asked me what I was running from. I didn't have an answer for her at the time, but have since discovered my reason. My mom was my biggest cheerleader, although virtually, and had often called me her "shero." I continued to hit the pavement, because I knew she would want me to. It's also where I felt/feel closest to God and converse with Him often. There's a point here, I promise you 🙂

Putting in QT on the bike trainer (Photo credit: My 5 year old)

January of this year, I renewed my goal of becoming a sprint triathlete. I put my Christmas gift on the bike trainer and started to rack up some serious miles. I even participated in a couple IronKIWI virtual events. Although, I did not reach my May deadline, I still achieved that sprint triathlon goal Father's Day weekend during the Life's A Beach Triathlon! 

A BGDB Shero (green/blue) and I (in red) heading into the water (Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

Starting Garmin/Leaving Transition
(Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

Sprinting Towards the Finish Line
(Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

One of our local BGR! Ambassadors said, "We all have life circumstances . . ." In my case, I run to burn off the crazy! Stay encouraged friends!

Testing, testing . . .

. . . is this thing on?! 

So, last week during a seemingly endless Facebook scroll, I stumbled upon what appeared to be the perfect shirt for me. For those who may not know me -- presumable all of you -- I have had an obsession a love affair with the sport of running since a coworker, now dear friend, of mine roped me into marathon training back in 2009. Prior to this training, my running experience consisted of running, usually two weeks at a time, when I noticed I needed to lose a pound or ten, but I figured it would be a great way to jump start my new decade.

To make a long story short, I joined her on this journey and ran my first training 5K July 25, 2009, as shown in my profile picture. Over the next 16 months, I ran my first 5K race, marathon, 15K and half marathon (in that order). Gone is the occasional runner I was in my 20's. In her place stands the medal-obsessed marathon mom who, this season, stepped way outside her comfort zone and took on the roles of co-leader of a local Jeff Galloway Training group and Group Run Lead of a pilot group for a local chapter of Black Girls RUN!

None of this would be possible without God's grace, and I certainly owe a lot to my husband for allowing me a morning of stroller-free running on Saturdays, so I can enjoy my long runs without distraction. Now, sit back, relax, and watch me burn off the crazy . . . 

The inspiration behind my new motto